Probity Event - Additional Guidance

Defined in the NHMRC Funding Agreement, a 'Probity Event' means any event or occurrence which:

1. has a material adverse effect on the integrity, character or honesty of the Administering Institution, a Participating Institution or Personnel involved in a Research Activity; or
2. relates to the Administering Institution, a Participating Institution or Personnel involved in a Research Activity and has a material adverse effect on the public interest or public confidence in the Administering Institution, Participating Institution or Research Activity.

Administration Institution Obligations

Section 31.4(h) of the Funding Agreement states that the Administering Institution must immediately notify NHMRC in writing if it becomes aware of a Probity Event, Data Breach or an unmanaged Conflict of Interest.

Following advice of a Probity Event, NHMRC may take corrective actions as specified in Clause 15.2 of the Funding Agreement.

Additional Guidance

NHMRC considers that an Administering Institution should provide a Probity Event notification under clause 31.4(h) of the Funding Agreement if a person in receipt of NHMRC funding is:

• subject of a substantiated complaint/s about a breach of institutional workplace policies, including behavioural and sexual misconduct policies
• subject of a substantiated conduct complaint/s to a professional body
• charged with criminal offences where conviction is likely to result in a sentence of imprisonment (NHMRC may take precautionary measures pending the outcome of a prosecution).